Lead in water: origin, risks, regulation, and filtration
Lead is a toxic metal that can contaminate drinking water through contact with old service lines, pipes, solder, fittings, or certain equipment containing lead. Unlike many contaminants, it generally originates less from the water source than from its circulation and residence time within distribution systems. Infants, young children, pregnant women, and fetuses are particularly sensitive to its effects.
- Chemical symbol
- Pb
- Atomic number
- 82
- Family
- Heavy metal
- Current limit in France
- 10 µg/L
What is lead?
Lead is a chemical element with the symbol Pb and atomic number 82. It is a dense, malleable metal that is relatively resistant to corrosion. These properties explain its historical use in pipes, solder, paints, batteries, and many industrial applications.
Lead is a stable element: it does not degrade in the environment. However, it can change its chemical form, attach to particles, accumulate in soil, or be released into water upon contact with materials containing it.
